The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied media reports alleging that the Scheme has become death trap for Nigerian graduates, as a result of the death of Musa Usman Abba in Zamfara State.
NYSC, in a statement titled " NYSC and Purveyors of Fake News" made available to journalists by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, cautioned against the spread of fake news, saying the reports being spread, not only misrepresented the Scheme’s operations but also incite fear and undermine public confidence in one of the nation’s most critical nation-building institutions.
It would be recalled that Musa Usman Abba was recently abducted by bandits in Zamfara State and subsequently killed despite the payment of a ₦10 million ransom by his family.
The statement explained that there was no provision whatsoever for any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication of the Scheme, therefore, the claim was entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.
while synpathising with Mr. Musa Usman Abba’s family over the unfortunate incident, NYSC clarified that he was not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023. Consequently, any attempt to link his situation to the NYSC was therefore inaccurate and a misrepresentation of facts.
NYSC said it remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of Corps Members and staff, saying it has maintained a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004,which provide life insurance coverage for all Corps Members, and that all prospective Corps Members who have received their call-up letters, as well as those who have reported to orientation camps, are fully covered.
“Notably, this insurance coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, in addition to their enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.In practical terms, the Scheme has continued to back its commitment with action. Over the last five years alone, NYSC has expended over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for Corps Members across the country."
On the issue of security, which is a broader national challenge, NYSC said it works in close partnership with relevant security agencies to safeguard Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises. Corps Members posted to areas assessed as high-risk are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts.
NYSC said this proactive approach has been consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and much earlier in some parts of the North East.
“Additionally, in line with its duty of care, the Scheme has taken decisive steps to relocate orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring the protection of both Corps Members and camp officials. It is instructive to recall the timeless principle of natural justice captured in the Latin maxim audi alteram partem, meaning “hear the other side.” This fundamental standard appears to have been completely ignored by the author of the referenced publication, who failed to seek clarification from the NYSC before disseminating misleading information to the public".
NYSC noted that the Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant. Adding that as a critical national institution, it advises all stakeholders to fact-check trending information before sharing and to remain conscious of the dangers of circulating unverified content.
The Corps called on the media practitioners, stakeholders, and the general public to always verify information from credible sources before publication. Saying that the spread of fake news not only misinforms the public but also undermines national institutions and erodes trust.
NYSC said it remains committed to its mandate of fostering national unity, youth development, and nation-building, and would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Corps Members across the country. Saying: “Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.”